Jeopardy! Contestants React to Unexpected Final Jeopardy Twist

LOS ANGELES, CA — Viewers of the game show Jeopardy! are debating the accuracy of the Final Jeopardy question after it played a pivotal role in the outcome of the April 23, 2025 episode. Reigning champion Liam Starnes, 20, from Barrington, Illinois, faced off against Abigail Arnold, from Waltham, Massachusetts, and Eric Cordova, from Chicago, Illinois, in a gripping match that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Starnes, the reigning champion, was looking for his fourth win to secure a spot in the upcoming Tournament of Champions. He entered the game with a three-day total of $72,202, which sparked discussions about his age; he was born the same year host Ken Jennings began his tenure on the show.

In the first round, Arnold dominated, answering eight out of 15 questions correctly and securing $6,000, while Starnes earned $1,400 and Cordova ended up with nothing after struggling with the clues.

During the contestant interviews, Cordova revealed a past experience at a Chicago Bears game, while Arnold shared a unique tradition of celebrating friendships with a bat mitzvah once they turn 13. Meanwhile, Starnes, a former High School Quiz Bowl National Champion, impressed viewers with his background.

A pivotal moment occurred when Arnold found the first Daily Double but wagered all $7,800, only to lose the bet after incorrectly answering the clue about something broadcast by a television network. This put Starnes in the lead by the end of the first round.

As the game progressed into Double Jeopardy, it became a tight contest, especially after Starnes found the last Daily Double and wagered aggressively to secure a commanding lead of $18,000. Arnold was close behind with $14,000 while Cordova was out of contention.

The tension peaked during the Final Jeopardy round, which focused on 20th Century History. The clue referenced a 1919 cartoon depicting Uncle Sam, but both Starnes and Arnold answered incorrectly. The correct answer was the League of Nations. Arnold’s total fell to $9,199 after a risky wager, while Starnes ended with $9,599—just $400 above Arnold.

Starnes expressed disbelief at his win, now qualifying for the Tournament of Champions with a total of $81,801 over four days. Fans expressed sympathy for Arnold, who they felt could have won had she bet differently. “I really feel for Abigail here,” said one fan. “She played one of the best games of the season and could have won here.” Critics of the Final Jeopardy clue suggested that its wording was misleading, as it did not hint enough at the international theme or context required for such a complex answer.

Following this episode, Starnes will return to compete again on April 24 against new challengers, continuing the excitement and unpredictability of the beloved game show.